Healthy Cauliflower Popcorn / Kettle Corn
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Published Jan 14, 2014, Updated Jan 12, 2022
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I think 2014 is going to be the year for cauliflower — from cauliflower pizza crust to cauliflower fried rice and mashed cauliflower, it seems like this cruciferous vegetable is becoming a go-to for making healthy versions of comfort foods. Most of you know that I’m a huge fan of the cauliflower pizza crust. I’ve actually been working on a vegan version, which I hope to post soon. But in the meantime, I have another cauliflower delight to share. Thanks to Real Simple I recently found out that cauliflower popcorn is a thing. Yes, popcorn!
Regular popcorn is actually pretty healthy on it’s own, especially if you air pop it and eat it plain. It’s a whole grain and low in calories, which is nice for volume eaters that like to snack (a.k.a. me). I actually keep kernels on hand and use the brown paper lunch bag trick to pop mine when I’m craving popcorn. Works like charm!
Once I found out that cauliflower popcorn was a thing, I knew I needed to try it! I quickly decided I should probably make a kettle corn version since it’s my favorite type of regular popcorn. Sweet and salty combos are the simply the best!
The trick to making cauliflower popcorn is roasting! Roasting brings out the natural sugars in vegetables. And if you cook the veggies long enough, they also get a crispy texture. That’s exactly what happens with the cauliflower.
Yes, I could have simply called this recipe maple roasted cauliflower but kettle corn is infinitely more fun. Plus, you could totally whip up a batch of this cauliflower to snack on during a movie. It’s a great way to sneak in a serving (or two) of veggies and I’m sure kids would love it!
Plus it’s healthy, absolutely delicious and as it would turn out, just as addictive as regular kettle corn. 🙂
If you’re not into kettle corn — we can’t be friends — just kidding, simply omit the maple syrup and just use the coconut oil and salt.
Plus it’s healthy, absolutely delicious and as it would turn out, just as addictive as regular kettle corn. 🙂
Healthy Cauliflower Popcorn / Kettle Corn
Ingredients
- 1 small/medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, liquid
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425° F.
- In a large bowl, stir together cauliflower, oil, maple syrup and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Make sure the cauliflower pieces aren’t too crowded on the baking sheet or they will steam instead of roasting. Roast, stirring twice, until golden brown and tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just bought a head of cauliflower last night. I’m going to make this today. Thanks for the recipe.
Love this! Can’t wait to try it as a snack very soon! And YES – I agree that cauliflower is a 2014 trend … here’s a Huffington Post article that I read that agrees, too! http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/12/31/food-trends-2014-_n_4523642.html
This looks delicious! I need to try to incorporate more cauliflower into meals. It’s always so good when I do, I just kind of forget about it!
I love cauliflower and the way you make it popcorn is just a double bonus for cauliflower lovers!
I love roasted cauliflower AND cauliflower “popcorn”, but kettle corn? Girl, you just took it to the next level! I can’t wait to try this!
You’re welcome. 😉
I tried this but the cauliflower stayed rather soft and got brown but never reached a crispy stage. I had it in the oven at 450 for 45 minutes. What am I doing wrong?
Were they damp from washing beforehand? That may make the difference…